What To Know About Jury Duty Scams
Deepfakes. Check washing. Vacation scams. Text message fraud. For years, we’ve been discussing the latest methods that scammers are using to access people’s personal information and finances.
One of the latest twists? Fake jury duty scams.
Across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and even Arizona, we’ve seen an increase in fraud attempts targeting individuals with alarming phone calls. Here’s how the scam typically works:
- The call comes in. You receive a call – sometimes from a number that looks local or even claims to be your police department.
- The accusation. The caller says you missed jury duty and now face arrest unless you pay a fine immediately.
- The website trap. You're directed to a website (a fake one) to submit payment and personal details like your birth date and Social Security number.
- The pressure. They demand a large payment, often hundreds or thousands of dollars, and urge you to act fast.
If you receive a call like this, what should you do?
- Hang up immediately. Real law enforcement agencies do not ask for payment over the phone.
- Do not visit any websites provided by these callers.
- Never share sensitive information like your Social Security number or birth date.
- Report the scam to your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission.
Remember: real jury duty notices come through official mail, not threatening phone calls – and courts will never ask for payments over the phone or through sketchy websites.
At First International Bank & Trust, our team works hard to protect your financial wellbeing. It’s why our checking and savings accounts include built-in security features – and it’s why we work to keep you informed about emerging fraud trends, like jury duty scams.
For more fraud prevention tips, visit the FIBT Education Center.